Small Molecule Rotamase Enzyme Inhibitors

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to neurotrophic compounds having an affinity for FKBP-type immunophilins, their preparation and use as inhibitors of the enzyme activity associated with immunophilin proteins, and particularly inhibitors of peptidyl-prolyl isomerase or rotamase enzyme activity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

I. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to neurotrophic compounds having an affinity for FKBP-type immunophilins, their preparation and use as inhibitors of the enzyme activity associated with immunophilin proteins, and particularly inhibitors of peptidyl-prolyl isomerase or rotamase enzyme activity.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The term immunophilin refers to a number of proteins that serve as receptors for the principal immunosuppressant drugs, cyclosporin A (CsA), FK506, and rapamycin. Known classes of immunophilins are cyclophilins, and FK506 binding proteins, such as FKBP. Cyclosporin A binds to cyclophilin while FK506 and rapamycin bind to FKBP. These immunophilin-drug complexes interface with a variety of intracellular signal transduction systems, especially in the immune system and the nervous system.

Immunophilins are known to have peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPIase) or rotamase enzyme activity. It has been determined that rotamase activity has a role in the catalyzation of the interconversion of the cis and trans isomer of immunophilin proteins.

Immunophilins were originally discovered and studied in immune tissue. It was initially postulated by those skilled in the art that inhibition of the immunophilins rotamase activity leads to the inhibition of T-cell proliferation, thereby causing the immunosuppressive action exhibited by immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporin A, FK506, and rapamycin.

Further study has shown that the inhibition of rotamase activity, in and of itself, is not sufficient for immunosuppressant activity. Schreiber et al., Science, 1990 vol. 250 pp. 556-559. It has been shown that the immunophilin-drug complexes interact with ternary protein targets as their mode of action. Schreiber et al., Cell, 1991, vol. 66, pp. 807-815.

In the case of FKBP-FK506 and FKBP-CsA, the drug immunophilin complexes bind to the enzyme calcineurin, inhibitory T-cell receptor signaling leading to T-cell proliferation. Similarly, the complex of rapamycin and FKBP interacts With the RAFTI/FRAP protein and inhibits signaling from the IL-2 receptor.

Immunophilins have been found to be present at high concentrations in the central nervous system. Immunophilins are enriched 10-50 times more in the central nervous system than in the immune system. Within neural tissues, 50 immunophilins appear to influence neuronal process extension, nitric oxide synthesis, and neurotransmitter release.

It has been found that picomolar concentrations of an immunosuppressant such as FK506 and rapamycin stimulate neurite out growth in PC12 cells and sensory nervous, 55 namely dorsal root ganglion cells (DRGs). Lyons et al., Proc. of NaIL. Acad. Sci., 1994 vol. 91, pp. 3191-3195. In whole animal experiments, FK506 has been shown to stimulate nerve regeneration following facial nerve injury and results in functional recovery in animals with sciatic nerve lesions.

Surprisingly, it has been found that drugs with a high affinity for FKBP are potent rotamase inhibitors causing a neurotrophic effect. Lyons et al. These findings suggest the use of immunosuppressants in treating various peripheral neuropathies and enhancing neuronal regrowth in the central nervous system (CNS). Studies have demonstrated that neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may occur due to the loss, or decreased availability, of a neurotrophic substance specific for a particular population of neurons affected in the disorder.

Several neurotrophic factors effecting specific neuronal populations in the central nervous system have been identified. For example, it has been hypothesized that Alzheimer's disease results from a decrease or loss of nerve growth factor (NOF). It has thus been proposed to treat Alzheimer's patients with exogenous nerve growth factor or other neurotrophic proteins such as brain derived nerve factor (BDNF), glial derived nerve factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor, and neurotropin-3 to increase the survival of degenerating neuronal populations.

Clinical application of these proteins in various neurological disease states is hampered by difficulties in the delivery and bioavailability of large proteins to nervous system targets. By contrast, immunosuppressant drugs with neurotrophic activity are relatively small and display excellent bioavailability and specificity. However, when administered chronically, immunosuppressants exhibit a number of potentially serious side effects including nephrotoxicity, such as impairment of glomerular filtration and irreversible interstitial fibrosis (Kopp et al., 1991, J. Am. Soc. Nephrol. 1:162); neurological deficits, such as involuntary tremors, or non-specific cerebral angina such as non-localized headaches (De Groen et al., 1987, N. Engl. J. Med. 317:861); and vascular hypertension with complications resulting there-from (Kahan et al., 1989 N. Engl. J. Med. 321:1725).

In order to prevent the side effects associated with use of the immunosuppressant compounds, the present invention provides non-immunosuppressive compounds containing small molecule FKBP rotamase inhibitors for promoting neuronal growth and regeneration in various neuropathological situations where neuronal repair can be facilitated including peripheral nerve damage by physical injury or disease state such as diabetes, physical damage to the central nervous system (spinal cord and brain) brain damage associated with stroke, and for the treatment of neurological disorders relating to neurodegeneration, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a novel class of neurotrophic compounds having an affinity for FKBP-type immunophilins. Once bound to this protein the neurotrophic compounds are potent inhibitors of the enzyme activity associated with immunophilin proteins and particularly rotamase enzyme activity, thereby stimulating neuronal regeneration and outgrowth. A key feature of the compounds of the present invention is that they do not exert any significant immunosuppressive activity in addition to their neurotrophic activity.

A preferred embodiment of this invention is a neurotrophic compound of the formula:

where R₁ is selected from the group consisting of a C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl group optionally substituted with C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₃- or C₅, cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, Ar₁, where said alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl groups may be optionally substituted with C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkenyl, or hydroxy, where Ar₁ is selected from the group consisting of 1-napthyl, 2-napthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thiazolyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-,3-, 4-pyridyl, and phenyl, having one to three substituents which are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy or C₁-C₄ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino; X is selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, methylene (CH₂), or H₂; Y is selected from the group consisting of oxygen or NR₂, where R₂ is hydrogen or C₂-C₆ alkyl; and, Z is selected from the group consisting of C₂-C₆ straight or branched, chain alkyl or alkenyl, wherein the alkyl chain is substituted in one or more positions with Ar₁, as defined above, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, cycloalkyl connected by a C₂-C₆ straight or unbranched alkyl or alkenyl chain, and Ar₂, where Ar₂ is selected from the group consisting of 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thiazolyl, 2-thienyl,3-thienyl, 2-,3-, or 4-pyridyl, and phenyl, having one to three substituents which are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy or C₁-C₄ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino; where Z may also be the fragment:

where R₃ is selected from the group consisting of straight or branched alkyl C₁-C₈ optionally substituted with C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, or Ar₁ as defined above, and unsubstituted Ar₁; X₂ is O or NR 5, where R₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆ straight or branched alkyl and alkenyl; R₄ is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, benzyl, C₁-C₅ straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl and C₁-C₅ straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl substituted with phenyl; or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or hydrates thereof.

Another preferred embodiment of this invention is a neurotrophic compound of the formula:

where R₁, is a C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl group optionally substituted with C₁-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₃ or C₅, cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, or Ar₁, where said alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl groups may be optionally substituted with C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkenyl, or hydroxy, and where Ar₁, is selected from the group consisting of 1-napthyl, 2-napthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thiazolyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-,3-, or 4-pyridyl, or phenyl, having one to three substituents which are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy or C₁-C₄ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino; Z is a C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, wherein the alkyl chain is substituted in one or more positions with Ar₁ as defined above, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, cycloalkyl connected by a C₁-C₆ straight or unbranched alkyl or alkenyl chain, or Ar₂ where Ar₂ is selected from the group consisting of 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thiazolyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl, or phenyl, having one to three substituents which are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched alkyl oralkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy or C₁-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino; or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or hydrates thereof.

Another preferred embodiment of this invention is a neurotrophic compound of the formula:

Where Z′ is the fragment:

where R₃ is selected from the group consisting of straight or branched alkyl C₁-C₈ optionally substituted with C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, or Ar₁, as defined above, and unsubstituted Ar₁; X₂ is O or NR₅, where R₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆ straight or branched alkyl and alkenyl; R₄ is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, benzyl, C₁-C₅ straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, and C₁-C₅ straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl substituted with phenyl; or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or hydrates thereof.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a neurotrophic compound having an affinity for FKBP-type immunophilins which inhibit the rotamase activity of the immunophilin.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is a method for treating a neurological disorder in an animal comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound having an affinity for FKBP-type immunophilins which inhibits the rotamase activity of the immunophilin.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a method of promoting neuronal regeneration and growth in mammals, comprising administering to a mammal an effective amount of a neurotrophic compound having an affinity for FKBP-type immunophilins which inhibits the rotamase activity of the immunophilin.

Yet another preferred embodiment of the invention is a method of preventing neurodegeneration in an animal comprising administering to an animal an effective amount of a neurotrophic compound having an affinity for FKBP-type immunophilins

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The novel neurotrophic compounds of this invention are relatively small molecules in relation to other known compounds which bind to FKBP-type immunophilins, such as rapamycin, FK506, and cyclosporin.

The neurotrophic compounds of this invention have an affinity for the FK506 binding proteins such as FKBP-12. When the neurotrophic compounds of the invention are bound to the FKBP, they have been found to unexpectedly inhibit the prolyl-peptidyl cis-trans isomerase activity, or rotamase activity of the binding protein and stimulate neurite growth, while not exhibiting an immunosuppressant effect. More particularly, this invention relates to a novel class of neurotrophic compounds represented by the formula:

where R₁ is selected from the group consisting of a C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl group optionally substituted with C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₃- or C₅, cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, Ar₁, where said alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl groups may be optionally substituted with C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkenyl, or hydroxy, where Ar₁ is selected from the group consisting of 1-napthyl, 2-napthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thiazolyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-,3-, 4-pyridyl, and phenyl, having one to three substituents which are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy or C₁-C₄ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino; X is selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, methylene (CH₂), or H₂; Y is selected from the group consisting of oxygen or NR₂, where R₂ is hydrogen or C₂-C₆ alkyl; and, Z is selected from the group consisting of C₂-C₆ straight or branched, chain alkyl or alkenyl, wherein the alkyl chain is substituted in one or more positions with Ar₁, as defined above, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, cycloalkyl connected by a C₂-C₆ straight or unbranched alkyl or alkenyl chain, and Ar₂, where Ar₂ is selected from the group consisting of 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thiazolyl, 2-thienyl,3-thienyl, 2-,3-, or 4-pyridyl, and phenyl, having one to three substituents which are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy or C₁-C₄ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino; where Z may also be the fragment:

where R₃ is selected from the group consisting of straight or branched alkyl C₁-C₈ optionally substituted with C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, or Ar₁ as defined above, and unsubstituted Ar₁; X₂ is O or NR₅, where R₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆ straight or branched alkyl and alkenyl; R₄ is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, benzyl, C₁-C₅ straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl and C₁-C₅ straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl substituted with phenyl; or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or hydrates thereof.

Preferred compounds have the following formula:

where R₁, is a C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl group optionally substituted with C₁-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₃ or C₅, cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, or Ar₁, where said alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl groups may be optionally substituted with C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkenyl, or hydroxy, and where Ar₁, is selected from the group consisting of 1-napthyl, 2-napthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thiazolyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-,3-, or 4-pyridyl, or phenyl, having one to three substituents which are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy or C₁-C₄ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino; Z is a C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, wherein the alkyl chain is substituted in one or more positions with Ar₁ as defined above, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, cycloalkyl connected by a C₁-C₆ straight or unbranched alkyl or alkenyl chain, or Ar₂ where Ar₂ is selected from the group consisting of 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thiazolyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl, or phenyl, having one to three substituents which are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched alkyl oralkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy or C₁-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino; or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or hydrates thereof.

In another preferred embodiment novel compounds of this invention are represented by the formula:

Where Z′ is the fragment:

where R₃ is selected from the group consisting of straight or branched alkyl C₁-C₈ optionally substituted with C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, or Ar₁, as defined above, and unsubstituted Ar₁; X₂ is O or NR₅, where R₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆ straight or branched alkyl and alkenyl; R₄ is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, benzyl, C₁-C₅ straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, and C₁-C₅ straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl substituted with phenyl; or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or hydrates thereof.

The compounds of this invention exist as stereoisomeric forms, either enantiomers or diastereoisomers. The stereochemistry at position 1 (Formula I) is R or S, with S preferred. Included within the scope of the invention are the enantiomers, the racemic form, and diastereoisomeric mixtures. Enantiomers as well as diastereoisomers can be separated by methods known to those skilled in the art.

It is known that immunophilins such as FKBP preferentially recognize peptide substrates containing Xaa-Pro-Yaa motifs, where Xaa and Yaa are lipophilic amino acid residues. Schreiber et al. 1990 J. Org. Chem. 55, 4984-4986; Harrison and Stein, 1990 Biochemistry, 29, 3813-3816. Thus modified prolyl peptidomimetic compounds bearing lipophilic substituents should bind with high affinity to the hydrophobic core of the FKBP active site and inhibit its rotamase activity.

Preferred compounds of the invention include:

-   3-phenyl-1-propyl     (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, -   3-phenyl-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl-(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, -   3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-1-propyl     (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, -   3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl-(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, -   3-(4,5-dichlorophenyl)-1-propyl     (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, -   3-(4,5-dichlorophenyl)-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl     (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, -   3-(4,5-methylenedioxyphenyl)-1-propyl     (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, -   3-(4,5-methylenedioxyphenyl)-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl     (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, -   3-cyclohexyl-1-propyl     (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, -   3-cyclohexyl-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl     (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, -   (1R)-1,3-diphenyl-1-propyl     (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidineearboxylate, -   (1R)-1,3-diphenyl-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl     (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, -   (1R)-1-cyclohexyl-3-phenyl-1-propyl     (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, -   (IR)-I-cyclohexyl-3-phenyl-I-prop-2-(E)-enyl     (2S)-1(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, -   (1R)-1-(4,5-dichlorophenyl)-3-phenyl-1-propyl     (2S)-1(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, -   3-phenyl-1-propyl     (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-2-cyclohexyl)ethyl2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, -   3-phenyl-1-propyl     (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-4-cyclohexyl)butyl2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, -   3-phenyl-1-propyl     (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-2-[2-furanyIJ)ethyl2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, -   3-phenyl-1-propyl     (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-2-[2-thienyl])ethyl2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, -   3-phenyl-1-propyl     (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-2-[2-thiazolyl))ethyl-2pyrrolidinecarboxylate, -   3-phenyl-1-propyl     (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-2-phenyl)ethyl-2pyrrolidinecarboxylate, -   1,7-diphenyl-4-heptyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2     pyrrolidinecarboxylate, -   3-Phenyl-1-propyl     (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxo-4-hydroxybutyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, -   3-phenyl-I1propyl     (25)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxamide, -   1-[1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-L-proline]-L-phenylalanine ethyl     ester, -   1-[1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-L-proline]-L-leucine ethyl     ester, -   1-[1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-L-proline]-L-phenylglycine ethyl     ester, -   1-[1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-L-proline]-L-phenylalanine     phenyl ester, -   1-[1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-L-proline]-L-phenylalanine     benzyl ester, and -   1-[1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-L-proline]-L-isoleucine ethyl     ester,

The compounds of the present invention can be used in the form of salts derived from inorganic or organic acids and bases. Included among such acid salts are the following: acetate, adipate, alginate, aspartate, benzoate, benzenesulfonate, bisulfate butyrate, citrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, fumarate, glucoheptanoate, glycerophosphate, hemissulfate heptanoate, hexanoate, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonatc, lactate, maleate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalensulfonate, nicotinate, oxalate, pamoate, pectinate, propionate, succinate, tartrate, thiocyanate, tosylate and undecanoate Base salts include ammonium salts, alkali metal salts such as sodium and potassium salts, alkaline earth metal salts such as calcium and magnesium salts, salt with organic bases such as dicyclohexylamine salts, N-methyl-D-glucamine, and salts with amino acids such as arginine, lysine, and so forth. Also, the basic nitrogen-containing groups can be quarternized with such agents as lower alkybromides and iodides; dialkyl sulfates like dimethyl, diethyl, dibutyl and diamyl sulfates, long chain halides such as decyl, lauryl, myristyl and stearyl chlorides, bromides and iodides, aralkyl halides like benzyl and phenethyl bromides and others. Water or oil-soluble or dispersible products are thereby obtained.

The neurotrophic compounds of this invention can be periodically administered to a patient undergoing treatment for neurological disorders or for other reasons in which it is desirable to stimulate neuronal regeneration and growth, such as in various peripheral neuropathic and neurological disorders relating to neurodegeneration. The compounds of this invention can also be administered to mammals other than humans for treatment of various mammalian neurological disorders.

The novel compounds of the present invention are potent inhibitors of rotamase activity and possess an excellent degree of neurotrophic activity. This activity is useful in the stimulation of damaged neurons, the promotion of neuronal regeneration, the prevention of neurodegeneration, and in the treatment of several neurological disorders known to be associated with neuronal degeneration and peripheral neuropathies. The neurological disorders that may be treated include but are not limited to: trigeminal neuralgia, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, Bell's Palsy, myasthenia gravis, muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, progressive muscular atrophy, progressive bulbar inherited muscular atrophy, herniated, ruptured or prolapsed invertebrate disk syndromes, cervical spondylosis, plexus disorders, thoracic outlet destruction syndromes, peripheral neuropathic such as those caused by lead, dapsone, ticks, prophyria, or Gullain Barre syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.

For these purposes the compounds of the present invention may be administered orally, parenterally, by inhalation spray, topically, rectally, nasally, buccally, vaginally or via an implanted reservoir in dosage formulations containing conventional non-toxic pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers, adjuvants and vehicles. The term parenteral as used herein includes subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneally, intrathecally, intraventricularly, intrasternal and intracranial injection or infusion techniques.

To be effective therapeutically as central nervous system targets the immunophilin-drug complex should readily penetrate the blood-brain barrier when peripherally administered. Compounds of this invention which cannot penetrate the blood-brain barrier can be effectively administered by an intraventricular route.

The pharmaceutical compositions may be in the form of a sterile injectable preparation, for example as a sterile injectable aqueous or oleaginous suspension. This suspension may be formulated according to techniques know in the art using suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents. The sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a non-toxic parenterally-acceptable diluent or solvent, for example as a solution in 1,3-butanediol. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are water, Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or suspending medium. For this purpose any bland fixed oil may be employed including synthetic mono- or diglycerides. Fatty acids such as oleic acid and its glyceride derivatives find use in the preparation of injectables, olive oil or castor oil, especially in their polyoxyethylated versions. These oil solutions or suspensions may also contain a long-chain alcohol diluent or dispersant.

The compounds may be administered orally in the form of capsules or tablets, for example, or as an aqueous suspension or solution. In the case of tablets for oral use, carriers which are commonly used include lactose and corn starch.

Lubricating agents, such as magnesium stearate, arc also typically added. For oral administration in a capsule form, useful diluents include lactose and dried com starch. When aqueous suspensions arc required for oral use, the active ingredient is combined with emulsifying and suspending agents. If desired, certain sweetening and/or flavoring and/or coloring agents may be added.

The compounds of this invention may also be administered in the form of suppositories for rectal administration of the drug. These compositions can be prepared by mixing the drug with a suitable non-irritating excipient which is solid at room temperature but liquid at rectal temperature and therefore will melt in the rectum to release the drug. Such materials include cocoa butter, beeswax and polyethylene glycols.

The compounds of this invention may also be administered optically, especially when the conditions addressed for treatment involve areas or organs readily accessible by topical application, including neurological disorders of the eye, the skin, or the lower intestinal tract. Suitable topical formulations are readily prepared for each of these areas.

For ophthalmic use, the compounds can be formulated as micronized suspensions in isotonic, pH adjusted sterile saline, or, preferably, as solutions is isotonic, pH adjusted sterile saline, either with or without a preservative such as benzylalkonium chloride. Alternatively for the ophthalmic uses the compounds may be formulated in an ointment such as petrolatum.

For application topically to the skin, the compounds can be formulated in a suitable ointment containing the compound suspended or dissolved in, for example, a mixture with one or more of the following: mineral oil, liquid petrolatum, white petrolatum, propylene glycol, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene compound, emulsifying wax and water. Alternatively, the compounds can be formulated in a suitable lotion or cream containing the active compound suspended or dissolved in, for example, a mixture of one or more of the following: mineral oil, sorbitan monostearate, polysorbate 60, cetyl esters wax, cetearyl alcohol, 2-octyldodecanol, benzyl alcohol and water.

Topical application for the lower intestinal tract can be effected in a rectal suppository formulation (see above) or in a suitable enema formulation.

Dosage levels on the order of about 0.1 mg to about 10,000 mg. of the active ingredient compound are useful in the treatment of the above conditions, with preferred levels of about 0.1 mg to about 1,000 mg. The amount of active ingredient that may be combined with the carrier materials to produce a single dosage form will vary depending upon the host treated and the particular mode of administration.

It is understood, however, that a specific dose level for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors including the activity of the specific compound employed, the age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, time of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, and the severity of the particular disease being treated and form of administration.

The compounds can be administered with other neurotrophic agents such as neurotrophic growth factor (NOF), glial derived growth factor, brain derived growth factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor, and neurotropin-3. The dosage level of other neurotrophic drugs will depend upon the factors previously stated and the neurotrophic effectiveness of the drug combination.

K_(i) Test Procedure

Inhibition of the peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (rotamase) activity of the inventive compounds can be evaluated by known methods described in the literature (Harding, M. W. et al. Nature 341:758-760 (1989); Holt et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 115: 9923-9938). These values are obtained as apparent K_(i)'s and are presented for some of Examples 1-30 in Table 1. The cis-trans isomerization of an alanine-proline bond in a model substrate, N-succinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe-p-nitroanilide, is monitored spectrophotometrically in a chymotrypsin coupled assay, which releases para-nitroanilide from the trans form of the substrate. The inhibition of this reaction caused by the addition of different concentrations of inhibitor is determined, and the data is analyzed as a change in first-order rate constant as a function of inhibitor concentration to yield the apparent K_(i), values.

In a plastic cuvette arc added 950 mL of ice cold assay buffer (25 mM HEPES, pH 7.8, 100 mM NaCl), 10 mL of FKBP (2.5 mM in 10 mM Tris-Cl pH 7.5, 100 mM NaCl, 120 mM dithiothreitol), 25 mL of chymotrypsin (50 mg/ml in 1 mM HCl) and 10 mL of test compound at various concentrations in dimethyl sulfoxide. The reaction is initiated by the addition of 5 mL of substrate (succinyl-Ala-Phe-Pro-Phe-para-nitroanilide, 5 mg/mL in 2.35 mM LiCl in trifluoroethanol). The absorbance at 390 nm versus time is monitored for 90 sec using a spectrophotometer and the rate constants are determined from the absorbance versus time data files.

The data for these experiments is presented in Table I. TABLE I FKBP ROTAMASE INHIBITION Example K_(i)nM 4 42 5 125 6 200 7 65 8 2500 9 160 10 52 24 9000

In mammalian cells, FKBP-12 complexes with the inositol triphosphate receptor (IP₃R) and the ryanodine receptor (RyR). It is believed that the neurotrophic compounds of this invention disassociates FKBP-12 from these complexes causing the calcium channel to become “leaky” (Cameron et al., 1995). Calcium fluxes are involved in neurite extensions so that the IP3R receptor and the ryanodine receptor might be involved in the neurotrophic effects of drugs. Since the drugs bind to the same site as FKBP-12 as the IP3R receptor, one could assume that the drugs displace the channels from FKBP-12.

Chick Dorsal Root Ganglion

Cultures and Neurite Outgrowth

Dorsal root ganglia were dissected from chick embryos of ten day gestation. Whole ganglion explants were cultured on thin layer Matrigel-coated 12 well plates with Liebovitz LIS plus high glucose media supplemented with 2 mM glutamine and 10% fetal calf serum, and also containing 10 μM cytosine β-D arabinofuranoside (Ara C) at 37° C. in an environment containing 5% CO₂. Twenty-four hours later, the DRGs were treated with various concentrations of nerve growth factor, immunophilin ligands or combinations of NFG plus drugs. Forty-eight hours after drug treatment, the ganglia were visualized under phase contrast or Hoffman Modulation contrast with a Zeiss Axiovert inverted microscope. Photomicrographs of the explants were made, and neurite outgrowth was quantitated. Neurites longer than the DRG diameter were counted as positive, with total number10 of neurites quantitated per each experimental condition. Three to four DRGs are cultured per well, and each treatment was performed in duplicate.

The data for these experiments are presented in Table II. TABLE II Neurite Outgrowth in Chick DRG Example ED₅₀ (nM) 4 53 5 105 6 149 7 190 8 850 9 75 10 — 24 —

The following examples are illustrative of preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention thereto. All polymer molecular weights are mean average molecular weights. All percentages are based on the percent by weight of the final delivery system or formulation prepared unless otherwise indicated and all totals equal 100% by weight.

The inventive compounds may be prepared by a variety of synthetic sequences that utilize established chemical transformations. The general pathway to the present compounds is described in Scheme I. N-glyoxylproline derivatives may 45 be prepared by reacting L-proline methyl ester with methyl oxalyl chloride as shown in Scheme I. The resulting oxamates may be reacted with a variety of carbon nucleophiles to obtain intermediates compounds. These intermediates are then reacted with a variety of alcohols, amides, or protected amino acid residues to obtain the propyl esters and amides of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1

Synthesis of methyl (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-2-methoxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate. A solution of L-proline methyl ester hydrochloride (3.08 g; 18.60 mmol) in dry methylene chloride was cooled to 0° C. and treated with triethylamine (3.92 g; 38.74 mmol; 2.1 eq). After stirring the formed slurry under a nitrogen atmosphere for 15 min, a solution of methyl oxalyl chloride (3.20 g; 26.12 mmol) in methylene chloride (45 mL) was added dropwise. The resulting mixture was-stirred at 0° C. for 1.5 hr. After filtering to remove solids, the organic phase was washed with water, dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated. The crude residue was purified on a silica gel column, eluting with 50% ethyl acetate in hexane, to obtain 3.52 g (88%) of the product as a reddish oil. Mixture of cis-trans amide rotamers; data for trans rotamer given. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 1.93 (dm, 2H); 2.17 (m, 2H); 3.62 (m, 2H); 3.71 (s, 3H); 3.79, 3.84 (s, 3H total); 4.86 (dd, 1H, J=8.4, 3.3).

EXAMPLE 2

General procedure for the synthesis of pyrrolidinyl alkyl oxamates. Exemplified for methyl (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-3,3-dimethylpentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate. A solution of methyl (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-2-methoxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate (2.35 g; 10.90 mmol) in 30 mL of tetrahydrofuran (THF) was cooled to −78° C. and treated with 14.2 mL of a 1.0M solution of 1,1-dimethylpropylmagnesium chloride in THF. After stirring the resulting homogeneous mixture at −78° C. for three hours, the mixture was poured into saturated ammonium chloride (100 mL) and extracted into ethyl acetate. The organic phase was washed with water, dried, and concentrated, and the crude material obtained upon removal of the solvent was purified on a silica gel column, eluting with 25% ethyl acetate in hexane, to obtain 2.10 g (75%) of the oxamate as a colorless oil. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 0.88 (t, 3H); 1.22, 1.26 (s, 3H each); 1.75 65 (dm, 2H); 1.87-2.10 (m, 3H); 2.23 (m, 1H); 3.54 (m, 2H); 3.76 (s, 3H); 4.52 (dm, 1H, J=8.4, 3.4).

EXAMPLE 3

General procedure for the preparation of pyrrolidine carboxylic acids. Exemplified for (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-3,3-dimethylpentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid. A mixture of methyl (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-3,3-dimethylpentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate (2.10 g: 8.23 mmol), 1N LiOH (15 mL), and methanol (50 mL) was stirred at 0° C. for 30 min and at room temperature overnight. The mixture was acidified to pH 1 with 1N HCl, diluted with water, and extracted into 100 mL of methylene chloride. The organic extract was washed with brine and concentrated to deliver 1.73 g (87%) of snow-white solid which did not require further purification. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 0.87 u, 3H); 1.22, 15 1.25 (s, 3H each); 1.77 (dm, 2H); 2.02 (m, 2H); 2.17 (m, 1H); 2.25 (m, 1H); 3.53 (dd, 2H, J=IO.4, 7.3); 4.55 (dd, 1H, J=8.6, 4.1).

EXAMPLE 4 EXAMPLE 4

General procedure for the synthesis of prolyl esters.

Exemplified for 3-phenyl-1-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate. A mixture of (2S)1-(1,2-dioxo-3,3-dimethylpentyl)-2-pyrrolidine-carboxylic acid (600 mg; 2.49 mmol), 3-phenyl-1-propanol (508 mg; 3.73 mmol), dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (822 mg; 3.98 mmol), camphorsulphonic acid (190 mg; 0.8 mmol) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (100 mg; 0.8 mmol) in methylenechloride (20 mL) was stirred overnight under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was filtered through Celite to remove solids and concentrated in vacuo, and the crude material was purified on a flash column (25% ethyl acetate in hexane) to obtain 720 mg (80%) of the product as a colorless oil. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 0.84 (t, 3H); 1.19 (s, 3H); 1.23 (s, 3H); 1.70 (dm, 2H); 1.98 (m, 5H); 2.22 (m 1H); 2.64 (m 2H); 3.47 (m 2H); 4.14 (m, 2H); 4.51 (d, 1H); 7.16 50 (m, 3H); 7.26 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 5

3-Phenyl-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 80%, ¹H NMR (360 Mhz, CDCl₃): δ 0.86 (t, 3H); 1.21 (s, 3H); 1.25 (s, 3H); 1.54-2.10 (m, 5H); 2.10-2.37 (m, 1H); 3.52-3.55 (m, 2H); 4.56 (dd, 1H, 1=3.8, 8.9); 4.78-4.83 (m, 2H); 6.27 (m, 1H); 6.67 (dd, 1H, J=15.9); 7.13-7.50 (m, 5H). This compound was prepared by the method of Example 3 from (25)-1-(1,2-dioxo-3,3-dimethylpentyl)-2-pyrrolidine-carboxylic acid.

EXAMPLE 6

3-(3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenyl)-1-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidineearboxylate, 61%, ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 0.84 (t, 3H); 1.15 (s, 3H); 1.24 (s, 3H); 251.71 (dm, 2H); 1.98 (m, 5H); 2.24 (m, 1H); 2.63 (m, 2H); 3.51 (t, 2H); 3.79 (s, 3H); 3.83 (s, 3H); 4.14 (m, 2H); 4.52 (m, 1H); 6.36 (s, 2H). This compound was prepared by the method of Example 3 from (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-3,3-dimethylpentyl)-2-pyrrolidine-carboxylie acid.

EXAMPLE 7

3-(3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenyl)-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl (2s)-1-(3,3-dimethy 1-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 66%, ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 0.85 (t, 3H); 1.22 (s, 3H); 1.25 (s, 3H); 1.50-2.11 (m, 5H); 2.11-2.40 (m, 1H); 3.55 (m, 50 2H); 3.85 (s, 3H); 3.88 (s, 6H); 4.56 (dd, 1H); 4.81 (m, 2H); 6.22 (m, 1H); 6.58 (d, 1H, J=16); 6.63 (s, 2H). This compound was prepared by the method of Example 3 from (25)-1-(1,2-dioxo-3,3-dimethylpentyl)-2-pyrrolidine-carboxylie acid.

EXAMPLE 8

3-(4,5-Dichlorophenyl)-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl (2s)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 70%, ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 0.85 (t, 3H); 1.21 (s, 3H); 1.25 (s, 3H); 1.51-1.87 (m, 2H); 1.87-2.39 (m, 4H); 3.51-3.57 (m, 2H); 4.50-4.61 (dd, 1H, J=3.4, 8.6); 4.80 (d, 2H, 1=6.0); 6.20-6.34 (m, 1H); 6.50-6.66 (d, 1 H, 1=16); 7.13-7.24 (dd, 1H, 1=1.8, 8.3); 7.39 (d, 1H, J=8.3); 7.47 (s, 1H). This compound was prepared by the method of Example 3 from (25)-1-(1,2-dioxo-3,3-dimethylpentyl)-2-pyrrolidinc-carboxylic acid.

EXAMPLE 9

3-(4,5-Methylenedioxyphenyl)-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl (2S)-1(3,3-dimethyl-1,2 dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 82%, ¹H NMR (360 MHz, CDCl₃): d 0.86 (t, 3H); 1.22 (s, 3H); 1.25 (s, 3H); 1.60-2.10 (m, 5H); 3.36-3.79 (m, 2H); 4.53 (dd, 1H, 1=3.8, 8.6); 4.61-4.89 (m, 2H); 5.96 (s, 2H); 6.10 (m, 1H); 6.57 (dd, 1H, J=6.2, 15.8); 6.75 (d, 1H, 1=8.0); 6.83 (dd, 1H, 1=1.3, 8.0); 6.93 (s, 1H). This compound was prepared by the method of Example 3 from (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-3,3-dimethylpentyl)-2-pyrrolidinc-carboxylic acid.

EXAMPLE 10

(1R)-1,3-Diphenyl-1-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 90%, ¹H NMR (360 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 0.85(t, 3H); 1.20 (s, 3H); 1.23 (s, 3H); 1.49-2.39 (m, 7H); 2.46-2.86 (m 2H); 3.25-3.80 (m, 2H); 4.42-4.82 (m, 1H); 5.82 (td, 1H, J=1.8, 6.7); 7.05-7.21 (m, 55 3H); 7.21-7.46 (m, 7H). This compound was prepared by the method of Example 3 from (25)-1-(1,2-dioxo-3,3-dimethylpentyl)-2-pyrrolidine-carboxylic acid.

EXAMPLE 11

The requisite substituted alcohols may be prepared by a number of methods known to those skilled in the art of organic synthesis. As described in Scheme II, substituted benzaldehydes may be homologated to phenyl propanols by reaction with methyl (triphenylphosphoranylidene)-acetate to provide a variety of trans-cinnarnates; these latter may be reduced to the saturated alcohols by reaction with excess lithium aluminum hydride, or sequentially by reduction of the double bond by catalytic hydrogenation and reduction of the saturated ester by appropriate reducing agents. Alternatively, the trans-cinnamates may be reduced to (E)-allylie alcohols by the use of diisobutylaluminum hydride.

Longer chain alcohols may be prepared by homologation of benzylic and higher aldehydes. Alternatively, these aldehydes may be prepared by conversion of the corresponding phenylacetic and higher acids, and phenethyl and higher alcohols.

EXAMPLE 12

General procedure for the synthesis of acrylic esters, exemplified for methyl (3,3,5-trimethoxy)-trans-cinnamate.

A solution of 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde (5.0 g; 25.48 mmol) and methyl (triphenyl-phosphoranylidene) acetate (10.0 g; 29.91 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (250 mL) was refluxed overnight. After cooling, the reaction mixture was diluted with 200 mL of ethyl acetate and washed with 2×200 mL of water, dried, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude residue was chromatographed on a silica gel column, eluting with 25% ethyl acetate in hexane, to obtain 5.63 g (88%) of the cinnamate as a white crystalline solid, ¹H NMR (300 Mhz; CDCl₃): δ 3.78 (s, 3H); 3.85 (s, 6H); 6.32 (d, 1H, 1=16); 6.72 (s, 2H); 7.59 (d, 1H, 1=16).

EXAMPLE 13

Methyl (4,5-dichloro)-trans-cinnamate, 80%, ¹H NMR (300 Mhz; CDCl₃): δ 3.79 (s, 3H); 6.40 (d, 1H, J=16.8); 7.32 (dd, 1H, 1=1.5, 8.1); 7.44 (d, 1H, 1=8.1); 7.56 (d, 1H, J=16); 7.58 (s, 1H). This compound was prepared by the method of Example 11 from 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde.

EXAMPLE 14

Methyl (4,5-methylenedioxyl-trans-cinnamate, 74%, ¹H NMR (300 Mhz; CDCl₃): δ 3.79 (s, 3H); 6.01 (s, 2H); 6.26 (d, 1H, 1=16); 6.81 (d, 1H, 1=7.9); 7.00 (d, 1H, 1=8.2); 7.03 (s, 1H); 7.60 (d, 1H, 1=16). This compound was prepared by the method of Example 11 from 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde.

EXAMPLE 15

Methyl (2-cyclohexyl)-(E)-acrylate, 80%, ¹H NMR (300 Mhz; CDCl₃): δ 1.12-1.43 (m, 5H); 1.52-1.87 (m, 5H); 2.12 (m, 1H); 3.71 (s, 3H); 5.77 (dd, 1H, 1=1.2, 15.8); 6.92 (dd, 1H, J=6.8, 15.8). This compound was prepared by the method of Example 11 from 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde.

EXAMPLE 16

General procedure for the synthesis of saturated alcohols from acrylic esters. Exemplified for (3,4,5-trimethoxy)phenylpropanol. A solution of methyl (3,3,5-trimethoxy)-trans-cinnamate (1.81 g; 7.17 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (30 mL) was added in a dropwise manner to a solution of lithium aluminum hydride (14 mmol) in THF (35 mL), with stirring and under an Argon atmosphere. After the addition was complete, the mixture was heated to 750 C. for 4 hours. After cooling, it was quenched by the careful addition of 15 mL of 2N NaOH followed by 50 mL of water. The resulting mixture was followed by 50 mL of water. The resulting mixture was washed with ethyl acetate. The combined organic fractions were washed with water, dried, concentrated in vacuo, and purified on a silica gel column, eluting with ethyl acetate to obtain 0.86 g (53%) of the alcohol as a clear oil, ¹H NMR (300 Mhz; CDCl₃): δ 1.23 (br, 1H); 1.87 (m, 2H); 2.61 t, 2H, J=7.1); 3.66 (t, 2H); 3.80 (s, 3H); 3.83 (s, 6H); 6.40 (s, 2H).

EXAMPLE 17

General procedure for the synthesis of trans-allylic alcohols from acrylic esters. Exemplified for (3,4,5-trimethoxy)phenylprop-2-(E)-enol. A solution of methyl (3,3,5-trimethoxy)-trans-cinnamate (1.35 g; 5.35 mmol) in toluene (25 mL) was cooled to −10 C. and treated with a solution of diisobutylaluminum hydride in toluene (11.25 mL of a 1.0 M solution; 11.25 55 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred for 3 hrs at 0 C. and then quenched with 3 mL of methanol followed by 1 N HCl until the pH was. The reaction mixture was extracted into ethyl acetate and the organic phase was washed with water, dried and concentrated. Purification on a silica gel column eluting with 25% ethyl acetate in hexane furnished 0.96 g (80%) of a thick oil, ¹H NMR (360 Mhz; CDCl₃): δ 3.85 (s, 3H); 3.87 (s, 6H); 4.32 (d, 2H, 1=5.6); 6.29 (dt, 1H, J=15.8, 5.7),6.54 (d, 1H, J=15.8); 6.61 (s, 2H).

EXAMPLE 18

(4,5-dichloro)phenylprop-2-(E)-enol, 89%, ¹H NMR (360 Mhz; CDCl₃): δ 1.55 (s, 1H); 4.34 (d, 2H, J=4.4); 6.36 (dt, 1H, J=15.9, 5.3); 6.54 (d, 1H, J=15.9); 7.20 (dd, 1H, J=8.3, 1.7); 7.38 (d, 1H, J=8.3); 7.45 (d, 1H, J=1.6). This compound was prepared by the method of Example 16 from (3,4,5-tri-methoxy)-trans-cinnamate.

EXAMPLE 19

(4,5-methylenedioxy)phenylprop-2-(E)-enol, 80%, ¹H NMR (360 Mhz; CDCl₃): δ 1.59 (br, 1H); 4.29 (br, 2H); 5.96 (s, 2H); 6.20 (dt, 1H, J=15.8, 5.9); 6.52 (d, 1H, J=15.8); 6.76 (d, 1H, J=8.0); 6.82 (dd, 1H, J=8.0, 1.2); 6.93 (d, 1H, J=1.2). This compound was prepared by the method of Example 16 from (3,4,5-tri-methoxy)-trans-cinnamate.

EXAMPLE 20

Phenylprop-2-(E)-enol, 85%, ¹H NMR (360 Mhz; CDCl₃): δ 1.72 (br, 1H); 4.31 (d, 2H, J=5.7); 6.36 (dt, 1H, J=15.9, 5.7); 6.61 (d, 1H, J=15.9); 7.0.2-7.55 (m, 5H). This compound was prepared by the method of Example 16 from(3,4,5-tri-methoxy)-trans-cinnamate.

EXAMPLE 21

Alcohols containing a substituent at the I-position of the side chain may be conveniently prepared by addition of appropriate nucleophiles to aldehydes, as described in Scheme III. In cases where optically active substituted alcohols are desired, the racemic alcohols may be oxidized into prochiral ketones and subjected to asymmetric reduction by one of several methods well known to those skilled in the art.

EXAMPLE 22

General procedure for the preparation of 1-substituted alkanols, exemplified for the synthesis of 1,3-diphenylpropanol. A solution of 2-(bromoethyl)benzene (17.45 g; 94.3 mmol) in 50 mL of dry diethyl ether was added dropwise, under a nitrogen atmosphere, to a stirred slurry of magnesium turnings (2.50 g; 102.8 mmol) in 50 mL of ether. The mixture was initially heated with a heat gun until reflux had become self-sustaining. After the addition was complete, the mixture was heated externally for 30 min to maintain reflux. A solution of 10.01 g (94.3 mmol) of benzaldehyde in 20 mL of ether was then added dropwise, and reflux was continued for 30 min. After cooling, the reaction mixture was poured into 150 mL of saturated ammonium chloride and extracted into ethyl acetate. The crude material obtained upon removal of the solvent was purified on a flash column, eluting with 5% ethyl acetate/hexane to 20% ethyl acetate, to obtain 13.73 g (69%) of the alkanol as a light yellow oil, ¹H NMR (360 Mhz; CDCl₃): δ 1.93-2.30 (m, 3H); 2.70-2.90 (m, 2H); 4.72 (br, 1H); 7.19-7.27 (m, 3H); 7.27-7.36 (m, 3H); 7.36-7.47 (m, 4H).

EXAMPLE 23

General procedure for conversion of racemic 1-substituted alkanols to optically active 1-substituted alkanols via prochiral ketones. Exemplified for (1R)-1,3-diphenyl-1-propanol. A solution of racemic 1,3-diphenyl-1-propanol (1.26 g; 5.94 mmol) was dissolved in 10 mL of acetone, and Jones reagent was added until persistence of the orange color. After stirring for 30 min, the reaction was quenched by adding 2 mL of 2-propanol. The solvent was decanted away from the precipitated solids, which were washed with ethyl acetate. The combined organic fractions were washed with 2×20 mL of water, dried and concentrated. The crude product was filtered through a plug of silica gel, eluting with 25% ethyl acetate/hexane, to obtain 1.07 g (86%) of 1,3-diphenylpropanone as a white crystalline solid, ¹H NMR (360 Mhz; CDCl₃): δ 3.09 (t, 2H, 1=8.1); 3.33 (t, 2H, 1=8.1); 7.29 (m, 5H); 7.49 (m, 3H); 7.98 (m, 2H).

A solution of 1,3-diphenylpropanone (1.07 g; 5.09 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (10 mL) was cooled to −230 C. and treated with an asymmetric reducing agent, (+)-B-chlorodiisopinocampheyl-borane (1.80 g; 5.60 mmol) in 20 mLTHF, and the resulting solution was allowed to stand overnight at −230 C. After evaporating to dryness, the residue was treated with ether (65 mL) and diethanolamine (1.0 g) and stirred for 3 hrs. The mixture was then filtered to remove solids and concentrated, and the residue was purified using gradient elution (5% ethyl acetate/hexane to 10% ethyl acetate) on a silica gel column to obtain 660 mg (61%) of (1R)-1,3diphenyl-1-propanol as a crystalline white solid, ¹H NMR (360 Mhz; CDCl₃): δ 1.95-2.15 (m, 3H); 2.59-2.78 (m, 2H); 4.65 (dd, 1H, 1=5.4, 7.8); 7.14-7.35 (m, IOH).

EXAMPLE 24

General procedure for the synthesis of prolyl dipeptides, exemplified for 1-[1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl-L-proline]-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester. A mixture of (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-3,3-dimethylpentyl)-2pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid (1.17 g; 4.85 mmol), L-phenylalanine ethyl ester hydrochloride (1.23 g; 5.33 mmol), dicyclohexylcarbo-diimide (1.10 g; 5.33 mmol) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (60 mg (4.85 mmol) in methylene chloride (25 mL) was treated with triethylamine (1 mL; 726 mg; 7.17 mmol) and stirred overnight. The mixture was filtered through Celite to remove solids and concentrated, and the crude material from removal of the solvent was purified on a silica gel column eluting with 30% ethyl acetatclhexane to obtain 2.02 g of 1-[1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-L-proline]-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester, 100%, ¹H NMR (360 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 0.87 (t, 3H); 1.16-1.28 (m, 9H); 1.58-1.91 (m, 5H); 2.33 (m, 1H); 3.07-3.20 (m, 2H); 3.38-3.41 (m, 2H); 4.11-4.18 (m, 4H); 4.55 (d, 1H, J=6.5); 4.78-4.80 (m, 1H); 7.15 (br d, 1H); 7.19 (m, 5H).

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention and all such modification are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A non-immunosuppressive neurotrophic compound of the formula:

where R.sub.1 is a C.sub.1-C.sub.9 straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl group optionally substituted with C.sub.3-C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, C.sub.3 or C.sub.5 cycloalkyl, C.sub.5-C.sub.7 cycloalkenyl, or Ar.sub.1, where said alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl groups may be optionally substituted with C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkenyl, or hydroxy, and where Ar.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of 1-napthyl, 2-napthyl, 2-indolyl, 3indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl, or phenyl, having one to three substituents which are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkoxy or C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino; X is selected from the group consisting of oxygen and sulfur; Y is oxygen or NR.sub.2, where R.sub.2 is hydrogen or C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl; and Z is a C.sub.2-C.sub.6 straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, wherein the alkyl chain is substituted in one or more positions with Ar.sub.1 as defined above, C.sub.3-C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, cycloalkyl connected by a C.sub.1-C.sub.6 straight or unbranched alkyl or alkenyl chain, or Ar.sub.2 where Ar.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thiazolyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl, or phenyl, having one to three substituents which are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkoxy or C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino; Z may also be the fragment:

where R.sub.3 is selected from the group consisting of straight or branched alkyl C.sub.1-C.sub.8 optionally substituted with C.sub.3-C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, or Ar.sub.1 as defined above; X.sub.2 is O or NR.sub.5, where R.sub.5 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 straight or branched alkyl and alkenyl; R.sub.4 is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, benzyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.5 straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, and C.sub.1-C.sub.5 straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl substituted with phenyl; or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or hydrates thereof.
 2. The neurotrophic compound of claim 1, where z and R.sub.1 are lipophilic groups.
 3. The neurotrophic compound according to claim 1 that is selected from the group consisting of 3-phenyl-1-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 3-phenyl-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-1-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 3-(4,5-dichlorophenyl)-1-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 3-(4,5-dichlorophenyl)-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 3-(4,5-methylenedioxyphenyl)-1-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 3-(4,5-methylenedioxyphenyl)-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 3-cyclohexyl-1-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 3-cyclohexyl-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, (1R)-1,3-diphenyl-1-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, (1R)-1,3-diphenyl-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, (1R)-1-cyclohexyl-3-phenyl-1-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, (1R)-1-cyclohexyl-3-phenyl-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, (1R)-1-(4,5-dichlorophenyl)-3-phenyl-1-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 3-phenyl-1-propyl (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-2-cyclohexyl)ethyl-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 3-phenyl-1-propyl (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-4-cyclohexyl)butyl-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 3-phenyl-1-propyl (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-2-[2-furanyl])ethyl-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 3-phenyl-1-propyl (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-2-[2-thienyl])ethyl-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 3-phenyl-1-propyl (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-2-[2-thiazolyl])ethyl-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate 3-phenyl-1-propyl (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-2-phenyl)ethyl-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 1,7-diphenyl-4-heptyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 3-Phenyl-1-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxo-4-hydroxybutyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 3-phenyl-1-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxamide, [1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-L-proline]-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester, 1-[1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-L-proline]-L-leucine ethyl ester, 1-[1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-L-proline]-L-phenylglycine ethyl ester, 1-[1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-L-proline]-L-phenylalanine phenyl ester, 1-[1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-L-proline]-L-phenylalanine benzyl ester, and 1-[1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-L-proline]-L-isoleucine ethyl ester.
 4. A neurotrophic compound of the formula:

where R.sub.1 is a C.sub.1-C.sub.9 straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl group-optionally substituted with C.sub.3-C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, C.sub.3 or C.sub.5 cycloalkyl, C.sub.5-C.sub.7 cycloalkenyl, or Ar.sub.1, where said alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl groups may be optionally substituted with C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkenyl, or hydroxy, and where Ar.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of 1-napthyl, 2-napthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thiazolyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl, or phenyl, having one to three substituents which are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkoxy or C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino; is a C.sub.2-C.sub.6 straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, wherein the alkyl chain is substituted in one or more positions with Ar.sub.1 as defined above, C.sub.1-C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, cycloalkyl connected by a C.sub.1-C.sub.6 straight or unbranched alkyl or alkenyl chain, or Ar.sub.2 where Ar.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thiazolyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl, or phenyl, having one to three substituents which are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkoxy or C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino; or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or hydrates thereof.
 5. The neurotrophic compound of claim 4, wherein R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-C.sub.9 straight or branched chain alkyl, 2-cyclohexyl, 4-cyclohexyl, 2-furanyl, 2-thienyl, 2-thiazolyl, and 4-hydroxybutyl.
 6. The neurotrophic compound of claim 4, where Z and R.sub.1 are liphophilic groups.
 7. A neurotrophic compound of the formula:

where Z′ is the fragment:

where R.sub.3 is selected from the group consisting of straight or branched alkyl C.sub.1-C.sub.8 optionally substituted with C.sub.3-C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, or Ar.sub.1 as defined above, and unsubstituted Ar.sub.1; X.sub.2 is O or NR.sub.5, where R.sub.5 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 straight or branched alkyl and alkenyl; R.sub.4 is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, benzyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.5 straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, and C.sub.1-C.sub.5 straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl substituted with phenyl; or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or hydrates thereof.
 8. The neurotrophic compound of claim 7, where Z′ is a lipophilic group.
 9. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a neurotrophically effective amount of the compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 10. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a neurotrophically effective amount of the compound of claim 4 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 11. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a neurotrophically effective amount of the compound of claim 7 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 12. A method of stimulating growth of damaged peripheral nerves, which comprises: administering to damaged peripheral nerves the neurotrophic compound of claim 1 in sufficient amounts to stimulate the growth of said nerves.
 13. A method of treating a neurological disorder selected from the group consisting of peripheral neuropathies, and neurological pathologies related to neurodegeneration in an animal comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of claim 1 having an affinity for FKBP-type immunophilins wherein the immunophilin which exhibits rotamase activity and the neurotrophic compound inhibits the rotamase activity of the immunophilin.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the FKBP-type immunophilin us FKBP-12.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the neurological disorder is Alzheimer's disease.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the neurological disorder is Parkinson's disease.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the neurological disorder is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. 